Why it is so important to get TSA PreCheck as soon as possible

The TSA PreCheck program (TSA Pre✓® ), an expedited screening program that enables trusted travelers to enjoy a secure and efficient screening experience at more than 180 U.S. airports, has informed airlines that since February it has “significantly reduced” the number of passengers randomly selected for faster screening.

When normal lines become too congested, the TSA sometimes allows travelers without a Known Traveler Number to pass through PreCheck, but that is about to change. Limiting passengers allowed through TSA Pre✓ signals a “natural progression” in the program, the agency said. In the future, they will only allow enrolled, pre-vetted passengers or those screened by K9s.

Therefore, all frequent flyers (that travel three or more round trips per year) must enroll in a trusted traveler program, such as TSA Pre✓ Application Program or Global Entry to obtain access to expedited screening when going through airport security.

TSA Pre✓® travelers do not need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets. In December 2016, 97 percent of TSA Pre✓® passengers got through an expedited screening lane in less than 5 minutes.

Other passengers who are eligible for TSA Pre✓® include members of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler programs, such as Global Entry (for U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and Colombia, UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Panama, Singapore, South Korea citizens and Mexican nationals) and NEXUS (for Canadian citizens). TSA Pre✓® is also available for U.S. Armed Forces service members, including those serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard.

As always, TSA continues to incorporate unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport. All travelers will be screened and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening.

Please contact your dedicated Travel Executive for any further information regarding this matter.